February 13th, 2020

HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection, that causes mucous or skin warts. “80% of sexually active persons become infected with HPV at least once in their lifetime” (2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015, para. 1). HPV is a viral infection that is transferred by skin to skin contact, and sexual contact. It can become cancer when the cells line the affected area changing it by growing swiftly to produce tumor cells. Only certain types of growths lead to, and are linked to: cervical cancer, penile cancer, anus cancer, oral cancer, throat cancer, or oropharyngeal. “Currently there are 79 million Americans infected with HPV, roughly 114 million people become newly infected each year” (HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), 2017, para. 3). There are 100 types of HPV, about 30-40 types can infect the genitals, and 14 types can lead to cervical cancer. HPV can be found by the application of acetic acid, pap smears to screen for cervical cancer, colposcopy, vinegar solution test, and a HPV DNA test. “No HPV test can determine which HPV infection will clear and which will progress. However, in certain circumstances, HPV tests can determine whether a woman is at increased risk for cervical cancer” (2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015, para. 15). HPV is asymptomatic, but you can spot HPV by: common, planter, flat, and genital warts. On females’ warts, can appear on the: cervix, vulva, groin, in or around the vagina, and in or around the anus. On males’ warts, can appear on the: penis, scrotum, and in or around the anus. There is not a cure to the HPV virus, it comes and goes. “In 70-90 percent of cases the body clears the infection through the immune system” (HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), 2017, para. 10). The treatment options for HPV are directed towards the warts and abnormal cells. It can either be a medication, surgery, or another procedure. Treatments can range from laser surgery, surgical removal, cryotherapy, LEEP, prescribed cream, and electrocautery. The chances of recovery from Human Papillomavirus are high. The prevention for HPV is a vaccine that can be administered to everyone. “All HPV vaccines are administered as a 3-dose series of IM injections over a 6-month period, with the second and third doses given 1–2 and 6 months after the first dose, respectively. The same vaccine product should be used for the entire 3-dose series. For girls, either vaccine is recommended routinely at ages 11–12 years and can be administered beginning at 9 years of age (16); girls and women aged 13–26 years who have not started or completed the vaccine series should receive the vaccine. The quadrivalent or 9-valent HPV vaccine is recommended routinely for boys aged 11–12 years; boys can be vaccinated beginning at 9 years of age (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html). Boys and men aged 13–21 years who have not started or completed the vaccine series should receive the vaccine (16)” (2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015, para. 3).           

​ References 
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 HPV (Human Papilloma Virus): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/understanding-hpv  

 HPV Infection. (2017, August 22). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/diagnosis-treatment/diagnosis/dxc-20199072  

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection. (2017, January 25). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from  https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/hpv.htm